Best things to do in Chicago in September

POCKET GUIDE: A cultural short-list for September, in order of buzz

Published Aug. 27, 2010

See Bert and Ernie in Jim Henson’s Fantastic World this month at the Museum of Science and Industry.

Ranked from highest profile to biggest surprise

RICCARDO MUTI 9/19–28 The leonine new king of the CSO ascends his throne for a Berlioz bill with live narration by Gérard Depardieu, but it’s the free concert for the masses that has us yelling, “Bravo!”

DETROIT 9/9–11/7 When it comes to gauging sizzle in Lisa D’Amour’s blistering new comedy at Steppenwolf about backyard barbecues, our bets are on the spitfire Laurie Metcalf.

CANDIDE 9/17–10/24 A little song, a little dance, a little cannibalism. With Mary Zimmerman directing this musical take on Voltaire’s catalog of pain, the only torture should come in the plot.

PAVEMENT 9/13 Talk about pounding it: The Pitchfork headliner and reunited indie-rock darling returns for a second gig in as many months.

JIM HENSON’S FANTASTIC WORLD 9/24–1/23 The letter of the day? M, as in “Muppetastic.” Bert, Ernie, and other polyfoam pals cameo in this exhibition about the peerless puppet master at the MSI.